About

FormMount Direct Stem Bike Computer Mount for GPS & Phone.

$59,477

pledged of $45,000 goal

743

backers

THE FEATURES.

FormMount's Patent Pending design is the only direct stem mount on the market that fits virtually any 4 bolt stem. FormMount offers multiple position options for almost any sized computer, putting it in the exact position of your preference. FormMount offers the adaptability to combine GoPro or lights, and above all a phone mount that again offers position choices in both portrait and landscape modes. FormMount's modular, adjustable, direct mount system brings the look and features of a custom direct stem mount, previously only available on a select couple of stem models, to virtually any bike. And is proudly Made in the USA.

Adaptability. The functionality of FormMount is unprecedented. Rotating arms adjust to fit varied stem widths, and the design also allows 5 different mounting positions.

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Fore/aft. A problem with other out front mounts is that they are limited to a fixed position. Not ideal with all the varied computer sizes on the market today. FormMount's fore/aft feature allows computers to be moved forward and backward to get in that just right position. Fore and aft adjustment is tool free thanks to our patent pending internally detented design. Just slide the modular cradle assembly fore or aft into a position that works for you and your computer.

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THE LOOK.

FormMount eliminates rubber bands, zip ties and bar clamps to quite literally become a natural extension of your bike. You get the best possible look and position. More enjoyment admiring your bikes.

THE CAMPAIGN ADAPTION.

When we launched this campaign on October 21st, the plan was to roll out FormMount featuring the cycling computer. This was to be phase 1, but FormMount is much more than a computer mount. Phase 2 was an after campaign plan to include the mounting of GoPro cameras, smart phones and lighting. That said, we’ve had so many inquires about these additional accessories that we’ve been working tirelessly to bring them to you sooner and are pleased to announce that the GoPro bottom cradle will be included for every backer. While we can not give you an exact date on the phone mount, we are aiming for early 2017. As we work through the details & logistics, please stayed tuned for updates. And thank you for pushing us.

THE INTERFACE.

FormMount’s modular design allows just one part (Top Cap Mount Interface) to be removed and swapped with the mount interface that fits your device. Whether it be a phone, light or camera mount, or a different brand of computer/GPS. Form Mount will have you covered, without the need to buy an entirely new mount.

FormMount with standard bottom cradle and 1 set of short arms for small to medium computers, 1 set of long arms for medium to large computers (like Garmin 1000 so that it is low and out front). It also comes with both the Garmin and Wahoo quarter turn inserts, GoPro camera bottom cradle, 3 pairs of black aluminum bolt spacers to customize fit (2mm, 4mm, and 8mm lengths) and 1 pair of stainless steel M5 x 37mm long bolts.

THE ACCESSORIES.

Computers: FormMount’s primary accessory for this Kickstarter campaign. It is thoroughly detailed in the videos, images and copy.

GoPro: A modular attachment that allows your GoPro to mount underneath. See the prototype images below. The GoPro accessory is FREE to all backers.

prototype (see updates 6 & 11)

prototype (see updates 6 &11)

Phones:Available early 2017. We are excited to announce a very user friendly design. Again - remove the TCMI and attach the phone interface and you are set. A perfect addition to FormMount's Modular System. Phone Mount Base will be made of injection molded ABS or Delrin. The base has 4 Neodymium disc magnets with over 7lbs. of pull force each, at 4 corners.

The phone case side is going to be stamped Stainless Steel. Phone case interface adheres easily to most any flat backed phone case with custom cut 3M VHB tape. No magnets are used on the phone case side interface. This protects items that can be damaged by magnets if phone is slipped into purse or beside a wallet.

The 4 semi-circular details will allow the phone to securely dock in portrait or landscape mode.

Screen shot of CAD (see update 16)

Screen shot of CAD (see update 16)

Screen shot of CAD (see update 16)

Screen shot of CAD (see update 16)

Screen shot of CAD (see update 16)

Lights: Many lights use the GoPro type bracket - you can cleanly mount a light underneath using our modular attachment. (Look up Exposure lights - very nice)

Stem width. A direct stem mount offers the cleanest possible look. Bolt patterns of every brand of stem vary, so this becomes an extremely limiting factor. FormMount's adjustable arms allow it accommodate virtually any 4 bolt stem that uses M5 threaded bolts, The adjustable arms will accomodate bolt distance between centers as narrow as .625" to as wide as 1.625" (approx. 16mm to 41mm).

Spread the arms to fit a wide bolt pattern.

Or adjust to fit stem widths where the bolts are practically touching.

Stem height. Another versatile function of the arms allows it to be installed in 5 different height positions. This means you get to choose the location that works best for you.

1). The over the stem position is the preferred choice of mountain bikers and those with large computers and phones.

2). The upper most out front position is another option for large computers and phones.

3). This position can accommodate any computer size.

4). Our favorite position for most computers, but works with any of them.

5). So many positions, it can be hard to decide. A good problem to have.

The Buzz. We are honored to have the support from the following bike industry insiders.

30 year bicycle industry veteran speaks out on FormMount.

THE ONE TIME WHERE SIZE REALLY DOESN'T MATTER.

FormMount's design will accommodate every Garmin size. And yes, it's the biggest brand, however we have no intention of stopping there. Our patent-pending modular design allows us to make it compatible with many other leading brands. So when we say it's the most adaptable mount ever created, it's not a matter of opinion, but fact. We will be updating the site as we move through the campaign with additional interfaces.

Not all bike computers are created equal.

See updates 9 & 10: We went back to the prototype lab and designed some longer arms for FormMount - so now, you will have a choice - Choose longer arms for larger computers, shorter ones for medium to small computers.

Prototype: Garmin 1000 (See update #9)

Prototype: Wahoo compatible (See update #10)

THE COMPATABILITY.

As of now FormMount is compatible with Garmin and Wahoo, but we are working on having all the leading brands covered very soon. Watch for our updates.

The fore-aft positioning is a tool less movement using a unique Patent Pending ratcheting mechanism that allows you to get it in the position that works for you.

If you know how to use an allen key, you're all set.

One Allen bolt holds modular stack together.

THE UNITED STATE OF CYCLISTS.

Who can use FormMount? The short answer is: all cyclists. Upon first impression, it may seem like it's for avid cyclists with expensive bikes. That's simply not the case. Cycling enthusiasts from every discipline to commuters and recreational riders of all levels all unite for 1 common desire: safety. The versatility of FormMount to put your computer in the optimal viewing position customized to rider preference is unparalleled. It's the ultimate heads up display for any cyclist.

THE RELENTLESS DEVELOPMENT.

The goal: create a bike computer mount that bolts directly into the stem. Make it adjustable, so it fits virtually any stem. Fit any size GPS computer. And offer multiple mounting positions. Sounds easy, right?

Every stem manufacturer has their own geometry based on what they think works best. This in turn creates a large variation among the many different component manufacturers in stem clamp bolt distances between centers (BDBC), as well as stem clamp shapes.

We created a ¼ turn mount, attached to a cradle that slides along 2 tubes. The tubes get clamped in place by 2 of the bolts on a 4 bolt stem, either the upper or lower pair. By offsetting the tube bolt bosses relative to the tube centerlines in the cradle, we are able to rotate the tubes in the cradle, this changes the distance between the tube bolt boss centerlines, allowing them to match up to the many different BDBC of various stems. This system also allows the cradle to adjust fore and aft along the length of the tube to adjust for different size devices, or personal viewing preferences.

Now we're ready for execution. At this point, we have a concept we're confident will work, from a user experience and manufacturability standpoint. The next step is to make some prototypes. This is part of the R&D phase where most of the refinement happens. Where having an actual prototype in hand and on the bike, allowed us to make leaps and bounds towards making the product the best it can be. Through use on the bike it was decided that friction fit alone was not enough to keep the fore and aft adjustable positions locked, so small steps were added to the geometry inside the cradle where the tube slides. A lot of knowledge was gained from working with the prototypes on and off the bike. 3D printing is a good first step in prototyping to test fit function and ergonomics.

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Every prototype allowed us to inspect, test, analyze and refine until we, and our moms, were completely satisfied.

3D printed prototypes do not give real world results regarding durability. That's why once we were happy with the fit, function and ergonomics, the next step was to do a detailed Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of our CAD model. That gave us an idea of how our mount would react to real world forces and vibration. FEA would show us where, if any, weak spots in the design were. After reviewing the FEA results, we knew our material choice of carbon or kevlar filled nylon for the parts, including the offset tubes, was the way to go. We chose to use stainless steel inserts for the offset tube bolt bosses to better handle the compression forces of the torqued stem bolts. The offset tubes will be overmolded onto the support sleeves in production.

Our attention to detail, considered every little detail.

THE MANUFACTURING OVERSIGHT.

We will have complete oversight of quality control. Frank's time at PDT has allowed him to foster many vendor/supplier relationships. One of the most solidified relationships is 3R Plastics in Spring Grove, Illinois. PDT and 3R have been working together for over two decades. And both have supported this project from its inception. We'll be using 3R to build the tooling and run FormMount's production. Our CAD is there and we've collaborated throughout the R&D process of refinement and design for tooling. They are ready to start designing, building and running the tooling required to produce FormMount.

We have proudly teamed up with Chicagoland based PDT and 3R Plastics. Development through manufacturing makes FormMount 100% made in America. This American craftsmanship, attention to detail and ability to closely monitor the process gives us the confidence that FormMount will stand the test of time. This why we'll be offering a lifetime warranty to the original owner.

THE TIMEFRAME.

Our pre-work has crossed the T's and dotted the I's, allowing us to the ability to deliver FormMount to our backers within 4-6 weeks of the successful campaign.

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THE TEAM, AND TEAMMATES.

FormMount is the first product offering of Chicago-based start-up, F3 Cycling. F3 was founded by Tim Boundy with the goal of developing clean engineered cycling products that are visionary in look and functionality. Tim also manages one of Chicagoland's most accomplished cycling teams. The connection to partners and teammates, Mike Scalise and Frank Pistorio. Each are life long cyclists, with a specific professional discipline making for a formidable team off the bike.

Frank is a Model Maker and Design Engineer with PDT, a world-class product development and design firm (pdt.com). He has over 20 years experience in model making/prototyping/ design engineering. His most recent project of note is as lead engineer for the Gramovox Floating Record player, which grossed $1,575,000 on Kickstarter, the highest grossing Kickstarter campaign in Chicagoland in 2015 and went on to win a Silver Award at the 36th annual International Design Excellence Awards® (IDEA®).

Tim's idea for a universal direct stem mount came to fruition when he partnered with Frank. Together, they worked hand in hand to devise a solution that others had tried, but not succeeded. Additional products are already in the pipeline.

Risks and challenges

We have really done our homework - the risks should be minimal, however we are experienced and realistic. A possible risk is the timing for the custom bolts, and tooling delays with the upcoming holidays. However we have early indication that our requested dates are OK. Updates are important. Updates you shall receive as we move through the campaign.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $49 or more
About $49

1 FormMount 1st Class Int'l Parcel Post

INTERNATIONAL USPS STANDARD PARCEL POST OPTION - includes shipping cost. You want to clean up the bars on one bike. The one you ride the most. You are playing favorites. Can take up to 3 weeks from shipping using this service - no tracking available. MSRP = $49.95 (before postage charges)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $95 or more
About $95

2 FormMounts 1st Class Int'l Parcel Post

INTERNATIONAL USPS STANDARD PARCEL POST OPTION - includes shipping cost. You are sharing the love with 2 of your bikes. You want to be fair. It take up to 3 weeks from shipping using this service - no tracking available. MSRP = $99.90 for before shipping charges